What better way to become a trusted partner than by solving problems your customer never even knew existed?
LEADERS ARE
INSPIRATIONAL If there’s one skill that can make up for a multitude of sins in other areas, it just might be the ability to inspire. People want to be a part of some- thing great – something larger than themselves. Just ask business legend Jack Welch, former General Electric CEO. Known for his passion, commit-
ment, and sense of fun, Welch led by example and took pride in his ability to develop his people. He regularly rewarded the highest performers (and cut the bottom feeders), thereby encouraging workers to make it to the top. “Giving people self-confidence is by far the most important thing that I can do. Because then they will act,” Welch has said. The lesson: Unless you inspire oth- ers to act, you are a team of one. The more you can inspire your team mem- bers to be the best they can be, the further your reach as a leader. Said
Ten Essential Leadership Traits
People often describe a person as “born to lead.” But can someone learn to lead? I believe people not only can learn leadership – they must. If American business wants to stay on top, it must make a conscious effort to prepare men and women for leadership roles. To help you take on a more effective role in your
present job or in a future position, here are 10 essential qualities of leadership. A leader must: 1. HAVE COURAGE: This means an unshakable belief in your physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiri- tual standards and values – and a willingness to take risks instead of waiting for safe situations, better times, and assured results. 2. THINK BIG: Curiosity, a penchant for challeng- ing tradition, an eagerness to create and bring out the best in others, and the ability to see the big picture and work toward making that picture a reality – these are leadership qualities. 3. MASTER CHANGE: Leaders accept change, han- dle it well, and succeed – while others shake their heads in confusion. Leaders view change as the only constant in life and see it as an opportunity rather than a problem. 4. BE ETHICAL: Leaders have a keen sense of fairness and justice. They command the respect and loyalty of their followers by valuing the rights of others, by exhibiting their own loyalty and conscientiousness, and by upholding their ethical standards even in the worst of times. 5. HAVE A SENSE OF HUMOR: Leaders use humor to turn mundane tasks into enjoyable experiences. They laugh at themselves and lighten the load of every- one around them by providing an “emotional vacation” from difficult situations.
6. BE PERSISTENT AND REALISTIC: Leaders perse-
vere, maintaining commitment to their goals in the face of pressure and obstacles. They have patience and are willing to sacrifice today’s satisfaction for tomorrow’s gains. 7. BE POSITIVE AND HOPEFUL: A positive mental attitude without a dream-
ing “pie in the sky” perspective helps leaders see the good in a bad situation and helps them reinforce the self-worth and value of other people – emphasizing the positive rather than dwelling on the negative. 8. ACCEPT AND USE POWER WISELY: Leaders know that power and greatness are not goals to be sought after, but are by-products of learning how to serve so they neither shrink from power nor seek it unnecessarily. They “pull rank” only in emergencies, and always take responsibility for themselves and their actions. 9. MAKE DECISIONS: Leaders realize that not mak- ing a decision is, in itself, a decision – one that puts things out of their control. That’s why they would rather make a wrong decision than waste time, energy, talent, money, and opportunities by avoiding commitments to a plan of action.
10. BE COMMITTED: The zeal and dedication of leaders draw others to them as they demonstrate their confidence, high standards, and self discipline. Leaders are not quitters.
Once you have what it takes to lead – the characteristics that make people stand out in the crowd – you will be on your way to a more successful career. You will also be helping American business stay on top. Aren’t these good enough reasons to start training for leadership today?
SELLING POWER DECEMBER 2016 | 25 © 2016 SELLING POWER. CALL 1-800-752-7355 FOR REPRINT PERMISSION.
Welch, “If you pick the right people and give them the opportunity to spread their wings and put com- pensation as a carrier behind it, you almost don’t have to manage them.” Any of these legendary leaders would be sure to tell you it doesn’t matter where your box falls on the organizational chart: Leaders can be found anywhere in the organization. “Keep yourself growing and learning, but don’t think you necessarily have to be ‘the leader,’” says Frederick. “It’s okay to be the salesperson who’s still a salesperson.”
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28
